Jimmy Stewart - Golden Era of Hollywood
Jimmy Stewart is my favorite star from the golden era of Hollywood - one of the great actors and equally amazing in real life.
Stewart's most memorable roles include: "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," Hitchcock's "Rear Window" and "Vertigo," "It's a Wonderful Life," and "Charlie."
What many people may not know is Jimmy Stewart was a WWII hero. He earned a pilot license before the war. In 1940, he was drafted but turned down for being underweight. He worked out to gain weight then volunteered for service and started as a private, receiving extensive training in piloting military aircraft. Initially, he was stationed stateside, as an instructor during 1942, but Stewart wanted to see combat.
He worked his way up to be a commander of the 703d Bombardment Squadron flying B-24 bombers. He flew many missions over Europe against the Nazis and continued to be promoted.
After the war, Stewart remained Air Force Reserve and reached the rank of Brigadier General. He kept his celebrity profile as low as possible while serving by keeping his name off flight and duty records.
American hero and general, the Jimmy Stewart you may not have heard of.
